Roleplaying as Clergy

This page has a number of helpful tips and considerations for roleplaying as member of our Clergy.

The Concept of Service

At the Temple, our roleplay centers on the idea that Service is a form of worship—an expression of devotion to Menphina that reflects her values of love, care, and compassion. For our characters, service isn’t just something they do; it’s an embodiment of their dedication to the goddess. Here’s how this concept shapes our roleplay and guides our interactions within the Temple.

Service as Love and Worship

Our characters express their faith through acts of service to the Temple community and beyond. This service goes beyond simple tasks or duties; it is a practice of love and reverence for Menphina, and each act of support becomes a tribute to her. In this way, every service is more than a physical offering—it’s a symbol of love, respect, and mutual care.

When your character offers a service, they should do so with deep respect for the person they’re helping and in honor of Menphina. Approach the moment as an act of love and devotion, not just to the individual, but to the goddess herself.

Example: If your character is offering comfort or guidance, they might begin by quietly invoking Menphina, acknowledging that through their support, they honor her. This could be something simple like, “By Menphina’s love, I’m here to help however you need.”

Service Is Not Submission or Self-Sacrifice

Service to others should never come at the cost of self-harm or burnout. While our characters are deeply committed, Menphina’s teachings also emphasize self-love. They honor Menphina by caring for themselves just as much as they care for others. Service, in this sense, is balanced; our characters should only give as much of themselves as they can without risking their well-being. It does not honor Menphina to overcommit or provide lackluster service because one is not taking care of themself.

While showing respect and reverence in roleplay, it’s important that both you and your character honor your own boundaries. Respecting another’s boundaries doesn’t mean sacrificing your own. If a roleplay situation crosses a line for you, feel free to step back or withdraw from the interaction.

Example: If another character pushes your character to perform a service that feels uncomfortable or is approached disrespectfully, you’re allowed to politely disengage OOC and end the roleplay if needed.

Service Is Not “Fixing” Others

A key principle in Temple service is respecting the autonomy of others. This means our characters are not here to “fix” or “save” anyone. Instead, they offer support only when it’s requested and do not assume they know what’s best for others. Overstepping by attempting to “correct” someone’s life implies they’re incapable of handling their own challenges. Such actions undermine the person’s dignity and independence, which runs counter to Menphina’s compassionate teachings.

Open OOC communication is key when a character requests a service from your character, especially in sensitive areas like healing roleplay or any content that could be NSFW. Respect the choices and boundaries of other players regarding their characters’ limitations and experiences.

Example: Your character might be a skilled healer, but if another player has decided that their character’s ailment is incurable, respect their decision. Rather than forcing a cure, focus on offering comfort or a different type of support that aligns with the other player’s vision.

Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification about a scene or share your ideas OOC. But always respect if they prefer not to pursue certain ideas or directions.

Service as a Path of Equals

In the Temple, service is not about hierarchy or dominance; it’s about walking alongside others as equals. When our characters offer their time, help, or even counsel, it’s done with the understanding that they, too, are learning and growing. Service is mutual, and respect is at its heart. Through this approach, the Temple fosters an environment where everyone—both Clergy and those they serve—is valued as an essential part of the community.

Service at the Temple is a religious practice, not a symbol of inferiority or submission. Your character is worthy of respect as a Clergy member and serves in good faith as part of their devotion to Menphina. Service should be viewed as a way to honor Menphina’s values rather than an obligation that makes your character “lesser” or “submissive.”

Example: If someone perceives your character’s service as servitude, a gentle reminder IC that “Menphina’s love flows both ways; as I serve, I too am fulfilled” can affirm that your character’s actions are a mutual expression of love, not a one-sided sacrifice.

Roleplaying as an Observer

Roleplaying can be deeply immersive and emotionally engaging, which is part of its appeal. However, it’s essential to keep a clear line between in-character (IC) and out-of-character (OOC) experiences. By “Roleplaying as an Observer,” you can enjoy the story and feel emotions without internalizing them as your own or letting them impact your relationships outside of the roleplay.

Establishing IC/OOC Boundaries

Creating and maintaining strong boundaries is the first step. Sometimes, these boundaries can be challenging, especially if you’re not sure how to set them effectively. Here’s where the observer approach comes in.

Imagine watching a favorite movie. You become invested in the story, feel for the characters, and experience highs and lows alongside them. You might even feel strong emotions like sadness or excitement. But at the same time, you know these feelings are tied to the story, not to you personally. You’re feeling the emotions, but they’re about the story unfolding—not your real-life experiences. This approach lets you fully engage without blurring lines between character emotions and personal ones.

Communicate When Boundaries Blur

If you ever feel that roleplay emotions are impacting you personally, talk with your roleplay partner(s). Sometimes these feelings come from insecurity, mixed signals, or differing interpretations of a roleplay relationship. Open and respectful communication is essential to prevent misunderstandings from escalating.

Example: If you’re developing strong feelings toward a roleplay romance and are unsure if your partner feels the same OOC, bring it up. A simple conversation can help you both enjoy the story without risking personal discomfort.

Recognize Roleplay Emotions vs. Personal Emotions

Part of what makes roleplay special is that it does bring out real feelings. Emotions are part of the experience. But it’s vital to recognize these are feelings about the story, not about you or your roleplay partner personally.

Example: If your character experiences betrayal in roleplay, you might feel sympathy or sadness. As an observer, remind yourself this betrayal is part of the narrative and doesn’t mean your roleplay partner has wronged you OOC.

Stay Aware of Your Investment

When you’re roleplaying, stay mindful of how attached you’re becoming to the emotions and events happening in-character. Acknowledging that your feelings are responses to the roleplay can help you maintain a healthy separation.

Example: If your character is in a heated argument with another, allow yourself to feel the intensity IC, but remember that the conflict is purely part of the story, not a reflection of personal relationships or real-world tensions.

Practicing the Observer Mindset as Clergy

As a member of the Clergy, we encourage you to immerse yourself in the stories you help create but to walk away with the same detachment you’d have after reading an intense book or watching a powerful movie. You can still feel emotions stirred by the roleplay, but when it ends, you’re able to set those feelings aside as part of the story rather than personal experiences.

Healthy Emotional Engagement

It’s natural and healthy to feel emotions because of roleplay! Just as in any story, it’s what makes the experience enjoyable and memorable. The key is to manage these emotions without letting them become personal or attributing them to your roleplay partner. Roleplay as an observer, and you’ll maintain that balance—able to engage deeply without confusing the IC journey with real-life feelings.

Roleplaying the Temple in the Broader FFXIV World

The Temple exists as a part of the wider world and is not considered an Alternate Universe (AU). While we understand and respect those who enjoy AU roleplay, the Temple is part of the broader FFXIV setting, and actions within it have consequences. Here’s how that impacts your roleplay:

Actions Outside the Temple Affect Your Character’s Standing

Because the Temple is not an AU, your character’s actions and behaviors outside of Temple grounds can impact how they’re viewed by other members. The way your character behaves, even outside of Temple activities, may influence their standing within the community.

Example: If your character publicly behaves in a way that disregards consent or violates the Temple’s teachings, there could be in-character (IC) repercussions. If another Temple member witnesses such behavior, they may question your character’s devotion or respect for the Temple’s values.

All Public RP is Considered Canon

Any public roleplay (RP) that’s accessible to others is seen as part of the FFXIV world and not AU, even if you personally view it differently. This includes open-world RP, venue events, or any publicly visible scene. We assume that all interactions in these spaces are canon to your character’s story.

Example: If your character is seen at a public venue engaging in behavior that goes against Temple teachings, another Temple member who witnesses it has no way of knowing it’s “AU” for you. They’ll assume that’s part of your character’s life, potentially affecting their opinion of your character and, by extension, the Temple.

No Policing of Private RP, but Actions Reflect on the Temple

We respect your freedom to engage in RP privately and have no interest in “policing” your interactions. What you do on characters unrelated to the Temple is entirely your choice. However, your character’s public reputation and behavior will naturally influence how others view the Temple as a whole.

We also have absolutely no interest in anything related to any other characters you have that are not involved in the Temple.

Example: If your character is associated with the Temple but is seen consistently contradicting Temple teachings in public spaces, it can shape perceptions of the Temple’s values and commitment.

Living a Balanced IC Life Outside the Temple

We encourage Temple members to lead active IC lives outside of the Temple. Many characters have jobs at other venues, participate in other communities, and have rich personal lives, which adds depth and realism. The only concern we have is if their external actions or job roles openly conflict with the Temple’s core teachings.

Example: If your character is a devoted Clergy member but also works at a venue that promotes activities directly opposing Temple rules, this could lead to IC challenges.

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